The Legislature has wrapped up its work on Senate Bill 5256, Sen. Mike Padden’s bill to make it clear that coroners and medical examiners may speak openly when talking about a death that occurs in connection with a law-enforcement action or inside a correctional facility.

“For whatever reason – maybe concerns about liability – those investigating the death of someone who was in custody may tend to be reluctant to offer their conclusions. At a time when the victim’s loved ones and the public are likely to have a lot of questions, it’s important that the people with the answers are comfortable speaking their minds,” said Padden, R-Spokane Valley.

The measure is sponsored by another Spokane County lawmaker, Republican Sen. Michael Baumgartner. It had won unanimous consent in the Senate and the House of Representatives; however, because the House had changed the bill it had to return to the Senate for final approval.

On Tuesday senators agreed unanimously with the House’s changes: one that will have the new law applying only to future cases and a second to give coroners and medical examiners immunity from liability based on information they offer. The measure is now headed to the governor’s desk.

Spokane County has seen several high-profile cases recently involving deaths related to law-enforcement actions; Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich was among supporters of SB 5256, Padden noted.

“This bill is about protecting the free flow of information – and encouraging people to share their opinions, not withhold them. That’s how trust is built and maintained,” Padden said.

The new law will take effect on the first day of 2014.